Legislative Influence: Toward Theory Development through Causal Analysis

Theory and empirical findings were combined to develop a causal model of reputed influence in legislatures. The model was tested for majority and minority members in a one-party dominant state legislature (North Carolina) where 99 percent of the legislators were interviewed. Emergent models illustrated majority-minority differences. Minority members needed expertise in certain legislative areas and formal office more than majority members to be considered influential. Achievement of formal office impeded minority members' gaining that expertise. For majority members, seniority alone paid off and social backgrounds were a factor in their being considered influential. The findings suggest further exploration of interparty differences.